Police certification should save city money

Frank Rotondo, executive director of the Georgia Association of Chiefs of Police, issued an official state law enforcement re-certification to the Hinesville Police Department last week, grouping them with the 15 percent of state law enforcement agencies to earn the credentials.As an added bonus, Chief George Stagmeier said his department’s focus on quality and consistency will save the city and residents money.As a result of the certification, Hinesville will save about 20 percent on its current insurance policy.According to Stagmeier, the state issues the certification to law enforcement agencies that comply with and meet all state standards regarding the policy manual. The program’s purpose is to evaluate and reward agencies that match state policy standards in an effort to provide uniformity.“There are 118 standards,” Bill Kirkendall, certification manager said. “It gets us all on the same sheet of music.”In order to receive re-certification, Kirkendall said he and many other officers worked hard daily to maintain proper policy practices on everything from squad car requirements, to methods of arresting suspects, to writing reports.The Hinesville officers keep records of their compliance with state standards, which are reviewed by state representatives every three years. The HPD received initial certification three years ago and, according to Stagmeier, got a perfect report on their activity during that time.Rotondo presented a plaque to Stagmeier at the city hall meeting last weekend and told Hinesville Mayor Jim Thomas and the City Council they should be proud of their city’s force.“Doesn’t it feel good to know you’ve got the best of the best?” asked Rotondo.“It’s a department-wide effort,” Stagmeier said. “I’m very appreciative to the ladies and gentlemen who help us keep in compliance.”